-Hear ye! Hear ye!-

-The girl who promised to update finally fulfilled her duty. –

Disclaimer: Flame of Recca…not mine. Don't sue. I'm now officially a professional tambay (bum).

-oOo-

"What?"

Fuuko glanced at him, surprised to see a dumfounded Mikagami staring back at her. He looked so shocked she had to laugh.

Mikagami did not take lightly when someone was making fun of him and was about to enlighten the wind child when he was interrupted.

"Relax Mi-chan. No need to be so astounded by my questions. Like I said, I was just curious. You are, after all, a healthy male human being. I just assume that with your good looks and all you'd be popular with the ladies." Fuuko winked and smiled at him. She raised her mug of hot choco to her lips and started drinking it. Hmm, this tasted good.

Mikagami had to do damage control so he immediately donned his best blank face and asked her.

"They say curiosity killed the cat. What, may I ask, made you ask me a question such as the one you just asked a while ago?"

Damn! The question was too damn long and a bit stupid even to his ears. Why was it that every time he talked to her, it was like putting his foot in his mouth?

Can you blame him? The man was trained to be a swordsman and a master of his technique but in all his training he never once entertained the idea of him being the subject of one curious wind wielder much less in the subject of kissing.

"No reason. Just that the other day Yanagi and I went to a movie house and watch this chick flick and well, you know!" Fuuko was eyeing him like he was a mind reader.

"No I don't know. Please elaborate." Not a request but a command from the ensui master. He knew he was just delaying the inevitable but he can't help it. The girl put him in a tight spot and the more he thought about it, the more confused he got. He also knew that stalling was the coward's way but what can he do actually?

"C'mon Mi-chan! I thought you were the genius between the two of us."

"…"

Fuuko was eyeing him expectantly.

"…" Nothing.

"Fine! I will explain for your simple-minded brain to comprehend." Mikagami had to arch an eyebrow to that comment but Fuuko continued as if nothing happened.

"A chick flick usually, I'm not saying all the time, involved a cute plot sometimes funny and sometimes romantic. Hell, sometimes both. But the point is there will be a part where a guy would kiss a girl… and then they will live happily ever after. The End. Then credits will roll." Fuuko had to smile after the last sentence.

"Was that your best definition of a chick flick?" a bit mocking on Tokiya's side.

" I don't know if I should be impressed or be laughing at your pitiful attempt for definition. You should pay more attention when your teachers talk, you know. You could learn something."

For all the scathing remarks Tokiya gave her, she just smiled. She knew her questioning put him on edge. She knew him well enough to know that he was trying to insult his way out of the uncomfortable situation. And to drive the proverbial nail home…

"Yeah, yeah! I should study some more. Blah…blah! But you didn't answer my question. Have you or have you not kissed a girl?" Fuuko was starting to get a little pissed off at Mikagami's evading manner. It was such a simple question after all. Why can't he just answer it?

"A gentleman never kiss and tell." He almost smirked with that answer and drank his coffee a little too enthusiastically.

"I bet you're still a virgin…!" He spewed his coffee back to his mug. Again! That was the second time today, but who was counting anyway.

She meant virgin when it comes to kissing but belatedly realized that he might have thought the other less appropriate topic for such a nice café like this so she corrected herself…

"…in kissing, I mean."

Thank Kami she was not asking about my sex life! He mentally fanned himself because he suddenly felt stifling.

He knew by now that Fuuko will not let it drop until she was satisfied. And also to get this over with he simply said…

"I don't make a habit of kissing any girl that pass me by, if that is what you're implying. But to answer your question and correct your assumption, I kissed other girls before."

The last comment was a stretch but no one would really know. In truth, Tokiya did kiss girls in the past, or if he would be honest with himself it was the other way around. Two girls to be precise but sadly that was the only thing he could remember or would rather remember. Even the names of said girls were lost to him.

The long story of it was a year ago he was requested to attend a party of a neighbor. Looking back he couldn't remember why he agreed but he thought he was there already so might as well stay at least for five minutes to see if something interesting would happen that night. His neighbor was around the same age as he was or older, he never bothered to ask. There was spiked punch (booze pitifully disguised as fruit beverage) and loud music everywhere. He was never a drinker (because he was underage) and a raver so he went outside the terrace, found an intoxicated girl who was too eager to make out with someone. He didn't pay much attention to her not-so-subtle hints and when it was clear he had no intention of making a move she tried to force her self on him but succeeded only in kissing him once albeit sloppily. He thought he was scarred for life so he left the girl rather hurriedly (the girl was too drunk to even notice the hasty retreat) and went to a bathroom to compose himself. Maybe he was just having a bad night that time or was just plain unlucky with women, but he found himself in the same predicament but this time with a different girl. As high and mighty (and good-looking) as he was, he could only handle so much. From that day on, he vowed never to be placed in the same position again so he avoided such occurrence.

But he would never tell that to Fuuko. This kind of information could ruin his I'm-so-cool-I-can-freeze-hell-with-my-stare reputation.

"I'm sure you do. I bet girls even beg you just to give them a peck in the cheek." She looked out the window again, enjoying the conversation. She couldn't remember having a normal conversation with this man without resorting to insults and threats. It was a nice thing for a change. Lately she had been feeling all sorts of things she'd rather not dwell too deep into.

Mikagami stared at the woman before him. He observed how calm she looked right now, almost subdued. Maybe having a fever and flu once in a while was a good thing. But all this restrained energy from not being able to move about as she used to was being channeled to another outlet, namely asking too many weird questions.

She looked back and caught him staring at her.

"So how was it?"

"The coffee? As always, taste good." He knew that she was really asking about the kiss but he pitifully tried to change the subject, again and was starting to get annoyed with his self for doing so.

She gave him a Right!- like-that's-gonna-happen look. He didn't know how she could convey a message like that with just a look but he did understand so he beleaguering answered her question.

"It was ok, I guess."

She smiled at him as if saying See! That wasn't so hard, was it?

Mikagami gave him his best rendition of a pout but ended up looking like a sneer instead. He added a glare on her way for good measure.

Fuuko changed the topic to a lighter one. One that she can make jokes with and not earn another glare from the ice block across her. Her interrogation can wait for another time.

"Well, this is a nice place. How did you find it?" she looked around and noticed just then that the place had a comfortable atmosphere, with dim lighting and intimate booths to provide privacy but not to the point of crowding the occupants. The place was not too formal because of the mismatched couch and chairs, small intricately designed coffee tables on one corner and the intimate booths on the other. Just the right place where one can relax and have a nice, normal conversation just like what they were having.

"Nothing beats the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A welcoming scent in the morning." In his mind he answered her question with that statement.

"Their hot choco is really good too. I think I just found my happy place." She smiled at him. They shared a comfortable silence after. No one dared to break it in fear of ruining the moment.

--------------

After finishing their drinks, Tokiya paid for it and they left but not before Fuuko insisted on buying her mom a slice of cheesecake, she bought two slices but asked the girl on the counter to pack the two in separate boxes. He offered to pay for it but she ignored it and paid for the cake. They went outside and started on their way to Fuuko's place. Her mind immediately shifted to other things. She had a lot of homework to do but tomorrow is Saturday so she had plenty of time on her hands. Then she remembered that Recca invited them to his house to chill out and do group study tomorrow. Knowing him, they'd probably end up playing video games and having a cook out. That Recca sure was a party-planner.

Unbeknownst to Fuuko, Tokiya observed the girl walking beside him. She was mumbling to her self and he could hear bits of words like homework…Recca…invite… group study…house party…

He remembered Recca inviting them to his house for something and understood what she was thinking out loud. He smirked at that. One thing he noticed about Fuuko she tends to get lost in her own musing that she would often say stuff out loud unconsciously. It had been a source of amusement at times.

"You coming to Recca's house tomorrow?" he asked after a full minute.

"Hmm… maybe after I'm finished with my homework. The battle with Math is really taking its toll on me. I'm starting to feel like it will take a whole day to understand the complexity of a 10-item assignment. But don't tell anyone about it, especially Recca. That boy can't or won't stop gloating to save his life." She frowned a little.

He did not know what prompt him to say what he said at that moment but the words came out before he even realized it.

"Would you like me to help you with your assignment?"

Fuuko was stunned. Then she smiled and relief was clearly seen all over her face.

"Wow! Really? You'd do my homework?! That's great!"

"I never said I'd do it. I just asked if you wanted me to help you." That is so typical of her, dumping the hard work on him. Honestly, being a knight in shining armor is overrated nowadays. A person tends to take advantage of his 'good' nature and said person was eyeing him with dismay.

Her relief vanished and was replaced by a pout, a cute pout to Mikagami's liking.

Well look at that, she can be cute sometimes.

What the?? What is going on here? Fuuko? Cute? I think part of my brain just went dead there for a minute. She can't be cute! She's Fuuko for crying out loud!! Evil thoughts leave me be! God! What is wrong with me?

While he was having a mental debate about Fuuko being cute, she was trying hard not to laugh at him. He looked kind of weird with that straight face of his but with eyebrows twitching every once in a while.

What is wrong with him? Is he having a seizure attack or something?

"For someone who claims to be an ice-block you sure are doing a good job being a cute and very understanding boyfriend. I am so lucky to have you!" Sarcasm oozing with every word she said.

"Yeah. I'm forever grateful to Kami-sama for giving me such a lovely girlfriend." He matched her words with his own dose of sarcasm.

Coming up with good comeback was harder than she thought. Her mind and body was still recuperating after all and word sparring with Tokiya was exhausting her physically and emotionally. Plus, it would look like she was an ingrate after all that he did today so she made a face instead, sticking her tongue out.

"Beh!" ( :p So childish!)

Regie Amagiwa, also known as the king of Wrong Timing, chose this unfortunate (or fortunate depending on how you look at it) time to butt in out of nowhere. The guy was really scary when he did stunts like that, popping in and slinking out.

"Oh! Spare me the sweet nothings, you two! Your words won't make my ardor for you, my Fuuko, simmer down."

"Great! Just what I need, an unwelcome sight! I can't deal with you right now stalker so go away!" she said pleadingly and lacking the usually strong conviction. Being a dense person that he was Regie ignored it. She could feel a headache coming as she looked at the nosy guy. She massaged her right temple to soothe the building migraine.

Tokiya saw this and felt an overwhelming irritation towards the man. Here he was trying to make Fuuko feel a little better and just like that, Amagiwa ruined it in less than a minute.

Amagiwa was about to touch Fuuko's hand when Tokiya spoke.

"How many times do I have to tell you people to keep your hands to yourselves? Fuuko is my girlfriend…" he said with all seriousness.

"…And nobody is allowed to touch her except me, the boyfriend." Tokiya's voice went a little deeper as he said it, his freezing glare directed at the annoying guy. He was starting to feel a little angry but suppressed it by taking hold of Fuuko's hand.

"C'mon, Fuuko. You need to go home and rest." The two started walking when Tokiya stopped and spoke again.

"And Amagiwa, a word of advice. Stop bothering us or I'll tell Betty what you have been doing. I'm thinking she is not going to like what she'll hear. And you will not like what she'll do to you." With that they continued walking away from the shell-shocked but still annoying guy.

Fuuko could hear the nosy guy mumbling something about the mysterious Betty and the words obsessed and monster in it. She looked at the guy walking beside her questioningly.

Tokiya felt her looking at him and smirked a little. That Betty threat sure raised Amagiwa's shackles a bit. Earlier that morning, he found out from two chatting classmates that Amagiwa had a brief relationship with a girl named Betty. Said girl was studying at a school not far from theirs. An interesting information got Tokiya smiling (evilly) all morning. The girl had stalker complex and obsessed with anyone who happened to be her boyfriend. Let's just say, the relationship did not end so well and only lasted for 4 weeks but the girl still thinks they're a couple. The girl was known to be violent and a sensible guy would never want to be crossed or burdened with a violent and obsessive/possessive girl. Recognizing an opportunity to test his theory, Tokiya went for the kill and was rewarded with a very pleasant result.

That should take care of him. If he's a smart guy he'll leave us alone. I'm not averse to using blackmail in such cases. Tokiya had to inwardly smile at that.

Moving on to another matter, the bet between him and Fuuko was still on. He still had to act like he was head-over-heals in love with Fuuko for two weeks so he needed to pretend like she was the woman of his dreams. And also there was the matter of what he should ask her to do when he won the bet because in his mind, it was already in the bag and he was mentally preparing his acceptance speech and award. The confident ensui master was already thinking of numerous ways to get back at the girl walking beside him.

"Who is Betty?" she interrupted his musings.

"Our friendly stalker's girlfriend, also a stalker." He answered with a smirk.

"Oh. Hmm." Was the only reply and she left it at that.

Before she knew it they were at the front of her house. She turned to Tokiya and gave him her best smile. She looked like a really cute schoolgirl then instead of the usual tomboy ruffian.

"Thank you for today. Not only for the sweet treat but also for taking care of our friendly stalker. I have a feeling he won't bother us again. At least I hope so. And here, this is for you." She gave him the other box containing the slice of cheesecake.

He looked at the box and then looked at her. Something was different. He was not used to seeing Fuuko acting all feminine but then again, he kind of liked it. But he will never tell her that though. It was nice to know that she can look fragile at times and although he tried to suppress it, the male ego in him responded to this feminine trait. Something told him that this truce would not last long because of the bet so he might as well enjoy it while it last.

He cleared his throat,

"Thank you. You should go inside now. It's getting chilly out here."

Fuuko was about to go inside when she heard him say,

"I'll call you around 7:30 tonight. Be sure the line is open." And then he was walking away from her.

Something was up. Fuuko could sense the sudden change in Mikagami as she watched him walk away. He was not his usual annoying self today. In fact, he made it a point to make her feel better. Now that she had time to think about it, he never once called her annoying monkey today. And knowing him, that was saying a lot.

Could it be because of the bet? Of course! That's it! How stupid of me to forget. Oh, Mi-chan, you're good! Damn good!

She pondered on this a little. Now that she knew what she was up against she could make her battle strategy. She couldn't let him win now, could she? Her being was on the line here. Knowing the iceberg, he would make her do something degrading like proclaim to the whole school that she's either in love with him or she's a tomboy and had been having affair with one of the female faculty members for years, if he won that is. But now, she could see clearly. And she knew just what to do to prevent that from happening. She grinned.

Oh! You're gonna get it, Mi-chan!

I'm gonna hit you so fast you won't know what hit you!

To be continued…

-oOo-

ringgetsu here…

Explanations:

First of all, I just want to say sorry for not updating for the longest time. I checked and was surprised that chapter 7 was posted almost a year ago…well, not really surprised but more upset that I have not been paying too much attention to my fics. The reason for this is that the past months have not been easy for me. I just graduated last April and was focusing on reviewing for our local board exams (Nursing). Being a fourth year was not only difficult but also time-consuming. I don't want to bore you all with the details of filing papers and submitting requirements for me to be able to graduate. Suffice it to say that most of my time was focus on schoolwork. After graduation, I immediately started reviewing for the local board exam. Had to really study hard and drain every last nerve cells I have to pass the dreaded exam. And I'm proud to say that I did well. I passed and now I'm waiting for my license so I could start being a normal person again. Ehehe… I am also glad to say that I have all the time in the world to read fan fictions as well as continue writing.

Secondly, I just want to thank you all for reviewing. I know I have been quite on hiatus but you reminded me and cheered me up with your reviews. They mean a lot to me and for that I am forever grateful to all of you, from chapter 1 reviewers up to my recent ones.

Kisses to all of you.

Blackrose2005 -chie tomorii – blackscarlet47 – jomai - nils – SnowCharms – xcainx – Miss Siela – Blue Euxine36 - sAyUrI-aNbU – cloTiHeart – Wija-chama – Shenhui – mikaro – carmelahere – sadistic dreamkiller – Shinobi Ninja Ayane – kai – Happy Mooing Octopus – itachi-sama aka cathrun - 19bLuEoRaNgE9 – Tank – k-chan – obsessed dreamer – yanagi-chyan – weirdo – O.D. – naruhodo – katsumi01 - joyphoenixdragon – kawaii Hana – LoraineOMG – Ogawa Ayumi – Artistic – scaredy'cat - ennov – icequeen – Michiyo Hikari – bernswerns – kitsune05 – Mellowyellow2007 – SlytherinGinny – bluerelic – ROCKY – grrr – Aeris – melay muning – crimsonrosepetals – warprincess – Trinity - Ranka – kana – marie – midnight solitaire – lime – orange-hime – Kino Harada – AmanoAndin - mia-chan mi-chan – xyted – yugariharu – kazuki1234 – kosmos – chidori-san – icicle7 – Aleah asenath – G-Cleft – ladyknightsaiyu – kiri-1113

Third, about this chapter… I know it's a bit slow paced but I promised, I'll be doing justice to the title very soon. I just don't want to have a sudden change between Fuuko and Tokiya's relationship. After all they were just starting to see each other in a different light, but I promised, kissing will definitely happen. In the most unpredictable way, I hope.. ehehe.

Now that that's over, I want to know what you think of this chapter. Was it good? Not so good? Comments and reviews are welcome.

Salamat again to all of you..

Oist mga kababayan ko, thanks sa support! haha.. (",x)

Ringgetsu out!